New to RC - general question
 

Hi there,

I'm thinking of getting into R/C and have read quite a bit about getting started. It seems the initial startup cost is pretty high and I was wondering if it's worth getting a 5 channel transmitter instead of the standard 4 channel. I intend on starting with a trainer but would eventually like to buy a more advanced model that could possibly use 5 channels.

Is this a good idea? If so, are there any recommendations on some good 5 channel radios?

Thanks

RE: New to RC - general question
 

Not sure of any 5 channel radios. BUt 6 and 7 are readily available. As are 8, 9, and 10. There is plenty of merit in buying all that you can afford right now. a 4 channel will get you into the air, but you will soon outgrow it--even if just for the fact of not having model memory and such. the 6 channel computer radios are really the way to go--and you can get into some of those relatively cheaply. However, if you are going with one of the RTF combos, just use the tx that it comes with. later on, buy a better tx and use the 4 channel jobbie as a buddy box for showing your friends a good time now and then--or for teaching others how to fly.

RE: New to RC - general question
 

Hello to RCuniverse,

I would recomend, first try to talk to a local club, one can often times find deals with networking, you will also want to do that for training. Talk to the guys, you might be able to use someone's for a while orfind one used.

HTH

Jon

RE: New to RC - general question
 

I concur with Minnreefer 100%. Get with a local club first, before you do anything. The reason is that you will find out what channels are used less frequenly, what trainers they already may have or prefer, etc. You'll learn more than flying, like how to tune an engine, what all of those aviation/RC terms mean (like mode 1, flaperons, high-wing, etc), if you don't already know. But, the most important thing is that you will learn about the mistakes others have made so you will save time and money.

RE: New to RC - general question
 

Save the cash and go with a JR XP6102. It's extremely easy to program and can store up to 10 different models. It was my first computer radio and it didn't take long for me to understand the in's and outs. It shouldn't take long at all if your a little computer savy.

Good Luck!

RE: New to RC - general question
 

I'm not going to recommend a particular brand but would suggest a 6 channel computer radio over an entry level 4 channel set for various reasons. I did it that way and am very glad I did. In fact, I just acquired a new 9 channel radio for more complex models.

As everyone here has advised, find a local RC club and ask them. Our club has a club trainer complete with radio, engine, airplane and instructor. The only charge is one year's membership (and AMA membership if you don't already have). About $120 for the newest newbee.

RE: New to RC - general question
 

Buy at least a 7 channel radio, you will be glad you did, and don,t worry about not knowing how to program it as the more you use it the easier it gets. YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID AT LEAST 7 Channel. FUTABA RADIO not to expensive.

RE: New to RC - general question
 

Hi derdeb, hopefully you will take the plunge and join the rest of us as we indulge in our favorite hobby.

Some of the RTF airplane packages from Hangar 9 actually come with 5-channel or 6-channel computer radios in the box. The H9 Mustang P-51 PTS comes with a 5-channel computer radio so you can add an extra servo and have active flaps on the plane. Their new F-22 Raptor PTS comes with a full-featured 6-channel computer radio.

My advice is to not spend too much energy worrying about your first radio. The hobby is right now in the middle of a significant change as aircraft transmitters transition from 72Mhz radio systems to 2.4Ghz spread spectrum radio systems. Naturally none of the ready-to-fly airplane trainers come with a 2.4Ghz radio system yet. If your luck is like mine, they'll be introduced about a week after you buy your first plane.

Pick the nicest trainer package you can afford, and just make sure you get a good engine and a nice airframe. The radio system will do the job for now, and the whole world will likely be buying new radios over the next couple of years. There are only two kinds of pilots, those who just bought a Spektrum DX7 radio system, and those who are shopping for one.

I learned to fly on the basic 4-channel Futaba 4YBF radio that came with my Hobbico Nexstar a couple of years ago. I've since bought a Futaba 7CAF radio system that I really like, but I still fly with the 4YBF quite a bit. It's great for sport aircraft, and it's always nice to have an extra radio so all of your flying eggs aren't in one basket.

Good luck with the shopping, and please ask any more questions we can help you with!

RE: New to RC - general question
 

I think ANYONE looking for a new or first radio should look no farther than the DX-7. For now, it's the only 2.4 GHz system on the market that is in general use.

The DX-6 is only good for park-flyers. I think the DX-7 comes with one receiver, 4 Digital servos (standard, nothing special) a battery and a wall-wart. 72 MHz is going the way of non-computer radios very quickly. (Yeah they work fine, but why bother?)

Think of it, no freq board, no interference and no...having your multi-thousand-dollar scale aerobat shot-down by someone who, either didn't know any better or made an honest mistake by turning-on to work on his old .25 powered lazy-bee that he spends more time fixing than flying....(No, I'm not bitter...and the guy turned-off in time to save the plane).

RE: New to RC - general question
 

now you know what can of worms you have opened here. but it's ok the question you ask is a simple one but the answer is very difficult.
you see you have jr guys and futaba guys etc etc. that begins the debate and so on and so on.
the best answer///// depends on you and your needs, if your heart is set on flyin rc the rest of your life then get as many channels as you can. you will want to add flaps gear spoilers etc later on, but you dont know if you want to fly forever do you. then we dont know what advances or coming out either.... do you see why its a hard question to answer?
as far as operation of your aircraft goes any brand will do. i have futaba, ive taught on JR.
the answer that 4 channel gets you flying is so true... I suppose the number of channels depends on your pocket book. if you buy a computerized transmitter then your set for as many planes as you have memory for.
the main thing to remember is have fun good luck

RE: New to RC - general question
 

Don't Buy a Standard Radio
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4454

List of Radios and Features
http://z6.invisionfree.com/rc_forums...iew=getnewpost